On Friday 3rd October I attended a service for the induction of Father Adrian Patrick McKenna-Whyte as parish priest of St. Simon & St. Jude Roman Catholic Church, Streatham Hill.

The ceremony of inuction is an occasion when a new Parish Priest is formally presented to the Parish.

The ceremony included the following hymns: Come down, O love divine; Sanctus; Memorial Acclamation; Soul of My Saviour; and All my hope on God is founded.

Afterwards I joined former Mayor of Lambeth, June Fertwell; Bishop Lynch and parishoners for refreshments in the church hall where I personally welcomed Rev. Adrian McKenna and chatted with local people.

On Monday 29th September I attended the Centenary Mass at St Bartholomew’s Church, Streatham. I was greeted by Father Thomas Cooper who made me extremely welcome to their celebrations. The Archbishop of Southwark spoke of the the rich history of the church and all those from both the past and present who have contributed to the Parish. I really got a sense of the church being at the heart of the community and of a wonderfully diverse group of people who come together to celebrate St. Bartholomewes 100 years.

On Saturday 27th September I had the pleasure of attending the Metropolitain society for the blind’s annual church service which was held this year at St. Peter’s church off Walworth Road in Southwark.

It was a wonderful service attended by visually impaired users of he organisation, their helpers, Mayors from inner London boroughs and councillors. In particular I enjoyed a sermon by Reverend Robert Hufton for the Methodist Church on Clapham High Street.